Jmu-Sgr NH closed; Avalanche damages 2 houses in Gurez
Sadhna Top, Gurez Valley get 4 Ft snow; Sinthan Top, Zojila, Z Gali receive 3 Ft
SAHIL VERMA
Jammu/ Srinagar, Feb 27: Jammu and Kashmir continues to reel under the impact of relentless snowfall and heavy rainfall for the third consecutive day, leading to tragic incidents, road closures, and heightened avalanche risks across the region. Authorities have confirmed the death of two individuals, including a 14-year-old boy, in separate rain-related incidents, while major highways, including the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, remain shut due to hazardous conditions.
In a heart-wrenching incident, a boulder struck a sports utility vehicle (SUV) near Dherian Ziyarat in Surankote along the Jammu-Poonch national highway, resulting in the death of the driver. The victim, identified as Wahid Iqbal from Upper Surankote, was traveling when the boulder hit his vehicle, while two CRPF personnel inside managed to escape unhurt.
Meanwhile, in Reasi district, a 14-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being swept away by a swollen stream near his home in Sangore-Tuli. Heavy rainfall had led to a sudden rise in water levels, making river crossings highly dangerous.
In another incident, a Tata Sumo traveling from Akharal to Ramban was struck by a falling rock at Battery Chashma along NH-44, seriously injuring passenger Nasrullah Bali of Pogal, Harastan. He was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment.
Several areas in Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed record snowfall over the past three days. Reports indicate that Sadhna Top and Gurez Valley received 4 feet of snowfall, while Sinthan Top, Zojila Pass, and Z Gali accumulated around 3 feet. Other prominent locations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, and Peer Ki Gali, recorded snowfall between 2 to 2.5 feet. Srinagar, the summer capital, also experienced intermittent snowfall and rain, adding to the cold wave.
Amid this, an avalanche struck Khandiyal village in Gurez Valley, Bandipora district, causing partial damage to two residential structures. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Authorities have issued warnings for avalanche-prone areas and advised residents to remain indoors.
The fresh snowfall and incessant rain have rendered several key roads and highways impassable. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a critical lifeline for the region, has been shut due to mud slush and shooting stones at Mehad, Ramban. Officials have confirmed that all types of vehicular movement have been halted between Nashri and the Navyug Tunnel as inclement weather continues to pose risks.
“Men and machinery have been deployed to clear debris and restore traffic, but persistent shooting stones and heavy rainfall are making the process difficult,” authorities stated. Traffic has been stopped at Jakhani (Udhampur) and Qazigund as a precautionary measure, with travelers advised to avoid journeys on NH-44, especially at night.
According to the Meteorological Department (MeT), a slight improvement in weather conditions is expected from tomorrow afternoon. However, a fresh spell of light to moderate snowfall and rain is predicted between March 1 and March 3 at many places, while the weather is likely to remain generally dry from March 4 to March 8.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts. The ongoing western disturbance is expected to intensify, causing increased snow and rain activity in the region.
Officials have urged residents, especially those in hilly and avalanche-prone areas, to exercise extreme caution. Travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement, particularly on highways prone to landslides and shooting stones. The administration is actively monitoring the situation, with rescue and relief teams on standby.
